Libya's coast guard said at least five bodies were retrieved from a boat carrying dozens of Europe-bound migrants that capsized in the Mediterranean Sea.
Coast guard spokesman Ayoub Gassim told The Associated Press (AP) that at least 65 migrants were rescued on Tuesday.
Search operations are underway for those still missing off the western Libyan town of Khoms, he added.
The UN migration agency said there were children among those who drowned.
For its part, Alarm Phone, an independent support group for people crossing the Mediterranean, said up to 100 migrants were on board the capsized vessel.
According to AP, Libya became a major conduit for African migrants and refugees fleeing to Europe after the uprising that toppled and killed Moammar Gadhafi in 2011.
